CHAPTER X. 



THE BATS AND INSECT-EATING MAMMALS. 



BY AV. P. PYCKAFT, A.L.S., F.Z.S. 



rTlHESE two groups are really closely allied ; but the bats are generally considered apart, on 



1 account of their totally different mode of life. Originally, like their more commonplace 



relatives, they were dwellers upon the earth, or, more correctly, among the trees. By 



gradual modification of the fore limbs, and a corresponding development of folds of skin 



attached thereto, and to the body, they have acquired the power of flight. The cobego, to be 



mentioned presently, gives us a hint of how this may have come about. 



The bats are the only members of the Mammalia which possess the power of true flight. 

 The so-called flying-squirrels do not rightly deserve this title, for they have no wings. The 

 wings of the bat have been formed by modification of the fore limbs, the finger-bones having 

 become excessively lengthened, so as to serve as a support to a thin web of skin extending 

 outwards from the body, much as the ribs of an umbrella support the covering. The hand 

 of the bat is therefore a quite unique organ. 



Photo by W. Samite-Kent, F.Z.S.] 



[Croydon. 



AUSTRALIAN FRUIT-BAT, OR " FLYING-FOX." 

 This photograph shows the " flying-fox" in its customary resting position. A photograph of it flying is shown on page v of Introduction. 



1G3 



